Abstract
We report on the use of nickel sieves, having a uniform pore size (typically 10. μm × 300. μm), for (oil-in-water) premix emulsification at relatively low transmembrane pressures. The droplet break-up was found to be based on elongation and recompression of droplets typical of high-pressure homogenization. The dependence on the transmembrane pressure indicated at least partial turbulent conditions. In line with this, the transmembrane fluxes were very high, while a reasonable span (around 1) of the droplet size was found. There was no indication of fouling in the process, even after 5 passes, which indicates that the process is tolerant to product and conditions. A master curve was found for the Weber number as function of the transmembrane pressure normalized on the Laplace pressure of the emulsion before emulsification, which is helpful in further scale-up of this process.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 116-123 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Membrane Science |
Volume | 383 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 1 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fouling
- Metallic sieves
- Oil-in-water emulsion
- Premix membrane emulsification
- Straight-through pore
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science(all)
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Filtration and Separation